Brussels Griffon dogs

The Brussels Griffon is also known as: Belgian Griffon, Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois

Fast FactsGroup classification: Toy    Country of origin: Belgium    Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 8 - 10 lb    Height (M): 9 - 11"    Life expectancy: 13 - 15 years
Weight (F): 8 - 10 lb    Height (F): 9 - 11"   

      
General Description of the Brussels Griffon

 The Brussels Griffon is a short, thick Toy breed. Prominent black eyes are set far apart, large and wide, with what has been described as almost a humanlike expression of intelligence and energy. The high-set ears are small and high on the head. Whether or not they are cropped is the owner or breeder's choice. The skull is round and the forehead is domed. The nose is short and black, with large nostrils. Jaws are undershot, which means the lower incisors protrude over the upper. The gently arched neck is medium in length and leads to a level, short back and compact yet thick body. There are two different kinds of coats found on the Brussels Griffon, rough and smooth. The rough coat is wiry in texture, with no wooly or silky texture. The smooth coat is short and close to the body with no indication of wiriness. Coat color for the Brussels Griffon can be black, red, or black and tan. Some breeders refer to black Griffons as Belgian Griffons and reserve the Brussels Griffon title for red Griffons.

Brussels Griffon Temperament

 The Brussels Griffon is intelligent, affectionate and at times stubborn. Their personality is often described as similar to that of a terrier. This breed makes an excellent companion because it always wants to be where its family members are. Brussels Griffons can be a bit nerrvous in temperament and sometimes hard to train. However, they make great watchdogs and don't need a whole lot of exercise. This makes them a great choice for people who want a small indoor dog. Because the Brussels Griffon can be rather high-strung they are not recommended for households with small children.

Caring for a Brussels Griffon

 The grooming required for your Brussels Griffon will depend on the type of coat it has. For smooth coated dogs, very little grooming is required. Simply brush periodically and bathe when necessary. For wire coated Griffons, many owners choose to go to a professional groomer to have the coat hand stripped. Wire coats will need a bit more brushing than the smooth coated variety. One great thing about Brussels Griffons is that they shed very little. Make sure you keep your Brussels Griffon's nails trimmed, ears cleaned and vaccinations up to date. Exercise requirements for the Brussels Griffon are modest and can be satisfied with a short walk every day. The dog is generally very healthy, and the only health problems to really watch out for are eye problems such as cataracts, distichiasis and progressive retinal atrophy, canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and weak bladder.

Other:

Description: The Brussels Griffon who is also known as the Griffon Bruxellois, is a toy dog who is intelligent, alert, and has a terrier like disposition. Brussels Griffons attracts attention by their almost humanlike, quizzical expressions. The Brussels Griffon is not an overpopulated dog, and therefore a fine choice for a family pet. There are two types of coat, rough or smooth, and in Europe these distinctions are considered separate breeds. The rough coated breed is called the Brussels Griffon, and the smooth coated breed the Petit Brabonçon. Brussels Griffons owe much of their existence to the Pug, which played a large part in creating the breed. Other terriers, like the Yorkshire and Irish Terriers, also contributed to the Griffon. Brussels Griffons, originating in Belgium, are very short, small dogs. They have small round heads, and short, pointy, drop ears. Some have their ears cropped to a very short point, as is the fashion in Europe. The rough coated Brussels often grow a rather bushy beard that is usually black. Their eyes are dark and small, and they have the likeness of an Ewok. They are round, fuzzy little dogs who are full of personality. They present full confidence and can be challenging to train. The Brussels Griffon is divided into three distinct categories: smooth coated, rough coated reds, and roughs of other colors. The smooth coats are called Petit Brabonçons; the rough reds are called Brussels Griffons, and the roughs of other colors are called Belgian Griffons. Some prefer not to be around children or strangers. However, they are not usually aggressive with people.

Other

Colors: Red, Belgian Griffon: Black, black and tan, or red, black and grizzle. Brussels Griffon: Completely and clearly red. Petit Brabonçon: Red, red and black, red, black, and grizzle, black and tan, or just black. The Petit Brabonçon can be any of the Griffon colors, while the other two varieties are separated by the red color.
Coat: The rough coat of the Griffon is harsh and wiry, and often bushy. The smooth coat is soft, smooth, and dense.

Temperament: Brussels Griffons are lively, obedient, and love to be around their owner. They do not do well by themselves in a backyard, and need to be near their owner much of the time. They enjoy and need association with people from an early age, and do not tend to be aggressive. They are an intelligent, cheerful dog, and they have the disposition of a terrier. They are alert and sometimes too confident. They can be difficult to train, and some do not get along well with children. They are mostly a one-person dog.
With Children: Okay. Older children who help train are okay, but the Griffon has a strong tendency to stick closely to one person, possibly becoming defensive around another who steals their person's attention. Supervision is a must around children.
With Pets: Yes, the Griffons are fine with other pets and get along well. But they may try to take on an animal much larger than themselves due to their overbearing confidence, therefore supervision is appropriate when around larger animals.

Watch-dog: High. They are reserved with strangers, and are very alert.
Guard-dog: Low. Brussels owners must be careful because this breed is not afraid of dominating another dog, even if the other dog is several times their size. So although they can defend, they are not appropriately sized to do so.

Care and Training: A Brussels Griffon smooth coat needs brushing two to three times a week. The rough coat needs to be hand stripped by a professional groomer. Brussels Griffons can obtain their exercise indoors, but will enjoy daily walks. Training should start early and needs to be consistent and precise. Although they are stubborn they are sensitive to being rushed or to overbearing training techniques.
Learning Rate: High. Brussels Griffons are said to be very intelligent. Obedience - Low. Griffons may be difficult to train. Problem Solving - Very High.

Activity: High. They are energetic little dogs.
Living Environment: Apartment is suitable if regular exercise is provided. Owners should be patient, precise and enjoy a busy, amusing dog. As long as there is enough space to follow, the Brussels Griffon will go with their owners anywhere. The best owner for this breed would be a dedicated owner who lives in a suburban or city area.

Health Issues: Brussels Griffons have difficulty in becoming pregnant and delivering newborns. Only 60 percent of the puppies survive. Other health concerns include brachycephalic syndrome, cleft palate, eye problems, and respiratory problems.

Country of Origin: Belgium
History: A painting by Jan Van Eyck portrayed the Brussels Griffon in 1434. Once the Brussels Griffon was known as the "Belgian street urchin" who was often found killing rats in stables. Bred for their ratting abilities, their heritage is probably largely due to the Affenpinscher, as well as the Dutch Pug, Ruby English Toy Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier and Irish Terriers. It is said that even more breeds were added to the mix including Barbets, Smoushounds, and Pekignese. Originally, they were mostly a peasant's dog, riding as passengers on cabs on the seat next to the cab driver. This created more popularity for the little dog, and soon it made its way to royalty. French King Henry III, Belgian Queen Henrietta Maria and Queen Astrid were all fans of the breed. Most sources agree that after the breed was mixed with the English Toy Spaniel, however, its nose became shorter and its ratting abilities were depleted. Having Pug blood did not help either. Back then, though, the breed was probably the size of a Fox Terrier and with a longer muzzle, all of them being rough-coated. After which, the two types of coats were developed. The two were the rough coats and smooth coats. In Brussels, Belgium, the Griffon Bruzellois was highly popular between World War I and World War II, literally having thousands in Brussels alone. Once the Griffon had developed into distinct coat variations, the breed was divided into three categories: smooth coated, rough coated reds, and roughs of other colors. The smooth coats are called Petit Brabonçons; the rough reds are called Brussels Griffons, and the roughs of other colors are called Belgian Griffons. If this wasn't confusing enough, Belgium considered all three to be separate breeds. But in the United States and other countries, the breeds are considered one in the same. They made their way to England in the mid 1800s, and reached the U.S. near the early 1900s. Brussels Griffons remain largely celebrated in Europe to this day.

Brittany (Spaniel) dogs

The Brittany (Spaniel) is also known as: Brittany Spaniel, Epagneul, Breton

Fast FactsGroup classification: Sporting    Country of origin: France    Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 30 - 40 lb    Height (M): 17.5 - 20.5"    Life expectancy: 12 - 13 years
Weight (F): 30 - 40 lb    Height (F): 17.5 - 20.5"

 

General Description of the Brittany (Spaniel)

 The Brittany is an athletic and sturdily built dog of medium size. The ears are short and triangular, lying flat against the skull, which is rounded and medium length. The face is intelligent and expressive, with eyes of various shades of amber or hazel. The dog’s frame is strong and leggy, with the dog’s height at its shoulders equal to its length. The tail is naturally short but is generally docked to a length of about four inches. The coat is dense and either flat or wavy with some feathering on the ears and legs. The dog’s coloring is typically orange and white or liver and white in clear or roan patterns, with some dogs displaying a tri-color pattern; freckles are also common. This breed is still commonly referred to as the Brittany Spaniel, despite the AKC's official removal of "Spaniel" from the breed name in 1982 (read more about this in the history section).

Brittany (Spaniel) Temperament

 The Brittany is quick and curious with an abundant love for running, hunting, and playing. The dog’s good nature and natural eagerness to please make it a great companion pet, but potential owners should be aware that the breed requires plenty of exercise – let your Brittany roam in open areas whenever you can, especially with other dogs. The Brittany is highly trainable and obedient but is also very sensitive to reprimand; take care not to chastise your Brittany too roughly, or it may become shy and fearful. The dog is a natural socializer and gets along exceedingly well with other dogs and children, though small children should never be left alone with a Brittany as the dog’s natural energetic play could cause the child accidental harm. The Brittany’s athleticism and friendliness make it equally attractive as a hunting buddy or a lifelong companion.

Caring for a Brittany (Spaniel)

 The Brittany is a relatively easy dog to care for, and is especially well suited to damp and cold conditions. Health problems are rare, though the breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and ear infections; owners should take special care to inspect the dog’s ears after playing in brambles and brush. The coat requires occasional brushing and shampooing, and shedding is generally light to moderate. The dog requires a great deal of exercise and plenty of room to move around – a sedentary or apartment lifestyle is therefore not recommended.

Briard dogs

The Briard is also known as: Berger de Brie

Fast Facts
Group classification: Herding Country of origin: France Date of origin: Middle Ages
Weight (M): 75 - 100 lb Height (M): 23 - 27" Life expectancy: 10 - 13 years
Weight (F): 50 - 65 lb Height (F): 22 - 26"

General Description of the Briard

The Briard is a strong, powerful dog bred for herding. The head is fairly long with moderate width, and the skull and muzzle are both rectangular in shape. Eyes are large, level, and set far apart. They are either dark brown or black in color depending on the color of the coat. The expression is one of confidence and curiosity. Ears are thick and leathery, set high and slightly lifted. Some owners and breeders choose to crop the ears, others do not. The muzzle is wide and adorned with a mustache and beard. The topline of the muzzle is parallel with the topline of the skull. The nose is square shaped and black. Lips are black, and teeth meet in a scissors bite. The neck is strong and muscular, leading down to a slightly slanted topline. The chest is well-muscled, strong and proportionate. The tail is curved, long and carried low. The Briard sports a tight, fine undercoat and a coarse, long and wavy outer coat. Most all colors other than white are standard for this breed, including black, gray and tawny.

Briard Temperament

The Briard is protective and watchful over her family members. Because of this, the dog can often be standoffish with strangers and should be introduced gently to new people and animals. This breed is gentle with children and enjoys their company. Because these dogs can be so wary, it is crucial to socialize them from the time they are puppies. This means lots of walks and visits to populated areas and introductions to new people as well as animals. These dogs can be just as comfortable in the city as in the country, provided they are exercised properly. They are moderately difficult to train due to their independent nature, and possess an excellent memory.

Caring for a Briard

Because the Briard's coat is long and shaggy, it will need regular brushing with a coarse-bristled brush and strong detangling comb. The coat naturally repels dirt, and bathing should be done only when the dog is very dirty. By grooming your dog regularly, you can help prevent mats from forming in the coat. The ears should be kept clean and free of dirt and mites, and nails should be trimmed as needed. You may also need to trim the hair that grows between the toes. If you keep your Briard groomed correctly, you will find that he or she hardly sheds at all. Documented health problems in the breed include canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, progressive retinal atrophy and heart problems.

o ther:

nderneath the Briard’s long, fluffy cloak lies a confidant suggestion and penetrating intelligence. True to his French roots, he can be detached with strangers, yet is sexual and amatory toward members of his pack. Bred as a herding and safeguard dog to strengthen flocks and quarrel off predators, he was adopted as a operative dog during World War we and used by infantry as sentries, ammunition carriers, messengers, and medic dogs. Today, the Briard enjoys the hold up of a messenger dog, yet he shows his flexibility and operative inlet with his good successes in obedience, agility, conformation, herding, carting, and tracking competitions.
Overview

Often called “a heart wrapped in fur,” the Briard creates a good family dog. He is clinging to his owner, happiest following we around the residence whilst we do chores or examination we watch radio upon a stormy day.

The Briard is an preferred messenger for someone who wants a lovable, yet not overly dependent, dog. A partial of of the Herding Group, he weighs in at around 75 pounds and lives absolutely in the nation or city–as prolonged as he’s with his family and gets enough exercise.

The Briard is an smart multiply and a discerning investigate when it comes to training, yet he can be realistic and wish to do things his own way. Owners contingency be rebuilt to settle container care from an early age or the dog is expected to take a shot at the purpose himself.

With a clever instinct to herd, it’s not surprising for him to try to accumulate or keep the immature kids or adults in his family inside of certain boundaries. He competence nudge, push, or bellow at his “flock.”

The Briard’s warning of strangers creates him an glorious safeguard dog, and he’s perpetually ready to urge his family and domain if he perceives danger. With the correct precision and socialization, however, we can inspire him to be some-more usurpation of outsiders. A Briard puppy should be introduced to most new and opposite people, places, and situations during the initial year of his life. These early practice assistance safeguard we have an adult Briard with a certain opinion upon life.

There have been exceptions, of course, yet for the most part, the Briard does intensely good with children. If you’re bringing a Briard pup–or any dog–into a residence with kids, it’s critical to learn both how to correlate with any other. If we do not have children, yet devise upon we do so in the subsequent couple of years, it’s necessary which we consort your puppy to children.

Highlights
The Briard needs every day grooming. Although his cloak is deliberate low- to non-shedding, it tangles and matts easily. If we do not have the time or calm for grooming, cruise an additional breed.
The Briard is of course independent, which is a smashing peculiarity if your puppy has been lerned properly. However, though training, which independent, assured puppy can spin in to an bulky adult.
The Briard contingency be socialized early to equivocate charge toward people or animals he doesn’t know. Briards were bred to be safeguard dogs and still take this purpose seriously.
The Briard enjoys being with his owner. He does most appropriate when he is authorised to cling to out with the people he loves.
To get a full of health dog, never buy a puppy from an insane breeder, puppy mill, or house pet store. Look for a creditable breeder who tests her tact dogs to have certain they’re giveaway of genetic diseases which they competence pass onto the puppies, and which they have receptive to advice temperaments.

History

The Briard originated in France and can be antiquated back to the 8th century. He was well known as the Chien Berger De Brie, which is believed to be subsequent from his place of origin, the segment of Brie (although the Briard was found in most tools of France).

A some-more regretful reason exists as well–that is, the name is a exaggeration of Chien d’Aubry. A 14th century fable claims which Aubry de Montdidier, a courtier of King Charles V, built a cathedral in mental recall of a intrepid Briard who saved his son’s life.

Regardless of the begin of the name, the Briard can be related back to the Emperor Charlemagne by his work of art in early tapestries. The Briard has additionally been related to Napoleon and was the central multiply of the French Army.

It is believed which Thomas Jefferson alien the initial Briards to the United States, and the American Kennel Club famous the multiply in 1928. Surprisingly, the Briard was not introduced to the United Kingdom until the late 1960s.

Size

Males mount twenty-three to twenty-seven inches high and females mount twenty-two to 25.5 inches tall. Most Briards import between 70 and 90 pounds, yet a little males can strech 100 pounds.

Personality

The standard Briard is brave, loyal, and intelligent. He is cooperative and amatory with his family, and thrives upon participating in family activities. In annoy of his vast size, he is radically a housedog. He doesn’t go in the backyard by himself, yet twisted up subsequent to we whilst we sip packet tea.

A protecting guardian, the Briard can be detached with strangers. He additionally can be realistic and willful, yet with copiousness of support and certain reinforcement, he can be swayed to come around upon both counts.

Temperament is influenced by a series of factors, together with heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with good temperaments have been extraordinary and playful, peaceful to proceed people and be hold by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the a single who’s violence up his littermates or the a single who’s stealing in the corner.

Always encounter at slightest a single of the parents–usually the mom is the a single who’s available–to safeguard which they have good temperaments which you’re gentle with. Meeting siblings or alternative kin of the relatives is additionally beneficial for evaluating what a puppy will be similar to when he grows up.

Like any dog, the Briard can turn shy if he is not scrupulously socialized–exposed to most opposite people, sights, sounds, and experiences–when he is young. Primary socialization should be with people outside the household. Socialization helps safeguard which your Briard puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten category is a good start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and receiving him to bustling parks, stores which concede dogs, and upon resting strolls to encounter neighbors will additionally assistance him gloss his amicable skills.

Boxer dogs

Group classification: Working Country of origin: Germany Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 65 - 80 lb Height (M): 22 - 25" Life expectancy: 8 - 10 years
Weight (F): 50 - 65 lb Height (F): 21 - 24"

General Description of the Boxer

The Boxer is a powerful, squarely built dog of medium size, easily recognized by its distinct muzzle and face. The head is clean, with a noticeable stop and wrinkles on the forehead and the sides of the muzzle. Ears are set high on the sides of the skull, long and generally cropped. The eyes are dark and, along with the forehead, primarily responsible for giving the Boxer an intelligent, highly expressive visage. The muzzle is blunt and broad, and topped with a nose that is wide and black. The Boxer’s bite is undershot and very strong. The neck is round, muscular and long, and flows smoothly into the back, which is short, powerful and sloping toward the back. Overall, the body gives the impression of efficient strength and power. The dog’s coat is short, lying close to the body with a smooth sheen. The Boxer’s color is either brindle or fawn, often with white markings; these markings can appear on the chest, legs, feet and face, but should not take up more than one third of the coat. The face has a black mask.

Boxer Temperament

An exceedingly versatile dog, the Boxer is many things to many people, and it is difficult to describe his personality precisely. The Boxer is energetic, playful, intelligent and curious. This dog is always ready for a game or adventure, and tackles challenges with gusto and joy; the Boxer is often said to be an “eternal puppy,” in that it does not begin acting like an adult until two-and-a-half to three years of age. However, the other half of the Boxer’s personality is very serious and deliberate, and harkens to the breed’s working dog history. The Boxer is heroically brave and uncommonly devoted to its family, and though the dog is not inherently vicious or aggressive, it will repel a perceived attack against its masters with brutal tenacity. For this reason, proper socialization is imperative. The Boxer is neither overtly friendly with nor aggressive toward strangers; if the dog detects that its master approves of the stranger, it will take on an accepting and slightly guarded attitude toward the newcomer. This response is also common with strange dogs, though the Boxer tends to be a bit more aggressive in this area. The Boxer is respectful of other pets and playful and protective with children.

Caring for a Boxer

In order to stay happy and healthy, the Boxer needs physical and mental exercise every day. A challenging game in the park or a good jog are usually sufficient. The Boxer should have a yard to play in, but it prefers to sleep indoors and does not do well in either hot nor cold climates; particularly in the heat, the short-muzzled Boxer can have difficulty breathing and keeping cool. Coat care is very basic and entails a weekly or biweekly brushing; Boxers are very clean and tend not to smell. Major health concerns for the Boxer include subvalvular aortic stenosis, boxer cardiomyopathy, and canine hip dysplasia. Other health concerns in the breed include colitis, low thyroid, corneal erosion and gastric torsion (Bloat). 

 

Other:

Description: The Boxer is a medium-sized, squarely built canine of good substance with a short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. Boxers should have a broad, blunt muzzle and an expression of alertness. Their faces resemble that of a Bulldog, and their tails are usually docked for show. Ears are sometimes cropped for show as well, but they naturally have drop ears. Boxers should have a fenced yard to roam in, but will do well in a city environment if walked daily. They do not do well in the heat, but adapt to most other aspects of living environments. The Boxer is considered a "people dog" adapting well to other dogs and children. They are a popular breed all over, retaining their puppy-like tendencies well into old age. Boxers love to play, do well with children, and are youthful at heart. They are obedient, loyal, and learn quickly. Boxers can make excellent guard dogs, as they were used for that purpose in the past and today. They should never be aggressive, but rather even-tempered and loving towards their family, thus making the Boxer an ideal family pet.

Colors: Fawn, brindle with or without white markings on the face, chest, on the insides of the forelegs and on the feet. They can have a black mask over their face and eyes. Sometimes puppies are born almost all white, but it is not as common.
Coat: Short, shiny, smooth and glossy. The coat is easy to maintain.

Temperament: Boxers are playful, affectionate, friendly, headstrong, and high-energy. They remain loyal, loving and obedient to their masters. They can be stubborn but are still sensitive and responsive to training. They have the attitude of a puppy when around a loving family, and can be excellent guard dogs towards strangers or strange dogs. They are active dogs, positive and fun-loving. They are very strong and not opposed to a scuffle with other dogs. Boxers can sometimes forget their size and play like a puppy, forgetting the possibility of knocking something or someone over.
With Children: Yes, loyal playmate. Boxers are an affectionate, playful breed who do well with children. Precaution should be taken, however, with small children considering the Boxer's puppy-like attitude when he is much bigger than he thinks.
With Pets: Although generally good with other pets, including dogs, socialization is best. May be aggressive with other male dogs, or new strange dogs.
Special Skills: Guard dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: High. Their guard dog tendencies exude watch dog abilities.
Guard-dog: High. They are deliberately wary with strangers. Used for guarding in the past, the Boxer retains its status to this day. They are sometimes aggressive towards other strange dogs. Boxers are not afraid of a brawl with the neighbor's dog.

Care and Training: Boxers require low maintenance for grooming. Nails need regular attention. Boxers are an energetic breed who needs lots of exercise either by a long walks or runs. A well-fenced yard is a must. The Boxer does well with obedience training.
Learning Rate: High. Training can be a challenge as high intelligence combined with dynamic nature demands a patient owner willing to spend extra time and energy on their training. Yet, Boxers are very trainable and learn quickly. They can be stubborn, but remain sensitive and responsive to commands.

Activity: High. They retain their playful puppy-like nature well into their golden years, and will remain active. The Boxer also needs lots of exercise.
Special Needs: Attention and exercise.
Living Environment: Indoor and outdoor dog. Boxers are people dogs and love to be social inside with their families. But they are also active and love to play, by which they need space and/or good runs or long walks. Boxers do not do well in the heat and should not be kept in a hot enclosure. A yard is a must for Boxers, they are not suitable for an apartment because of their playful, sometimes boisterous nature. Boxers will not let you forget them in the backyard. The best owner for a Boxer would be a family living in the city, suburbs or country. They generally can adapt to most places.

Health Issues: Usually quite healthy. Boxers may have problems with heart murmurs, hypothyroidism, tumors, and hip dysplasia. Other health concerns include digestive problems.

Country of Origin: Germany
History: The Boxers origins stem from as far back as the sixteenth century in Europe. His ancestors are thought to involve mastiff-type dogs called Bullenbeissers (translating to "bull-biter"), English Bulldogs, Great Danes, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and some type of terrier. The general consensus of the Boxers' genetic makeup is that around the 1830s, German hunters created the Boxer from mating a small Bullenbeisser (mastiff-type breed) female to a native, possibly Bavarian, male dog, by which the two produced a female who was then mated to an English Bulldog. Boxers were first used as hunters to the Germans and Nederland residents to hunt boar and deer. Later in Germany, the breed was used in bull baiting and the popular sport of dog fighting. When dog fighting was banned in Germany in the mid-nineteenth century, the Boxer was then put to use as a guard and for controlling cattle at slaughterhouses. This may have been where the Boxer received its current name, being called "boxl" in the slaughterhouses. Another theory states that the name "Boxer" was formed due to their use of front legs when in the fighting ring, resembling a boxer. In 1895 the Boxer breed was exhibited in Munich, by then making a reasonable standard by which to judge, and in 1904 was registered by the AKC. After World War II these dogs became more popular in the United States, and has since received steadily rising praise. Boxers were among the first to become military and police dogs. Although originally bred and raised in a bull-baiting and fighting environments, over the years they have been refined to have a non-aggressive temperament, which certainly shows.

Bouvier des Flandres dogs

The Bouvier des Flandres is also known as: Belgian Cattle Dog

Fast Facts

Group classification: Herding Country of origin: Belgium Date of origin: 17th century
Weight (M): 85 - 95 lb Height (M): 24 - 28" Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Weight (F): 70 - 85 lb Height (F): 23 - 27"

General Description of the Bouvier des Flandres

Also known as the Belgian Cattle Dog, the Bouvier des Flandres is a compact yet muscular herding dog. The large head features both a moustache and beard. The oval eyes are dark brown with black rims, and give the dog a facial expression that is brave and alert. Ears are high set and often cropped. The skull is slightly longer than it is wide and the muzzle is strong and broad with no snipiness, ending with a nose that has rounded edges and flared nostrils. The neck widens gently into strong shoulders, giving the dog a regal appearance. The well-muscled back is short and broad. Both the forequarters and hindquarters are strong in bone structure and muscular. The tail is set high, carried upright and is most always docked. The double coat is weatherproof, with the undercoat dense and soft and the outer coat harsh and rough. Coloring can be fawn, salt and pepper, gray, black or brindle.

Bouvier des Flandres Temperament

The Bouvier des Flandres is a gentle and loving dog who is rather easy to train when handled properly. They make excellent watchdogs and are great with children. Obedience training should be started at an early age to establish the master-dog hierarchy and to prevent dominance issues later on in life. Early socialization is also important, especially if there are other animals in the household. Because these dogs are so protective over their families and territory, they can be quite wary of strangers. The Bouvier des Flandres requires a good deal of exercise and should be interacted with daily. They are happy when given something to do, which is why they are sometimes used as tracking and therapy dogs.

Caring for a Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres needs a lot of exercise everyday, and its physical and mental health will suffer if it doesn't get it. They love long walks or jogs, and will remain calm indoors if given a chance to expend some energy outdoors. The Bouvier des Flandres needs regular brushing and combing to remove tangles and mats. Bathing should be done only when the dog is dirty. Thrice yearly, the dog's hair should be trimmed. The hair in the ears and between the toes will need to be trimmed more often. Keep the nails clipped and ears clean. You may want to take your Bouvier des Flandres to a professional groomer a few times a year for a little preventative maintenance. Make sure you give your dog some good exercise every day. Significant health issues for this breed include canine hip dysplasia, glaucoma and elbow dysplasia. Hypothyroidism is also occasionally seen.